Matt Waldman’s RSP checks in with wide receiver Laquon Treadwell’s game and shows where the former first-round draft pick has potential to become a productive asset this year in Minnesota.

Laquon Treadwell was my No. 1 pre-draft prospect at the wide receiver position three years ago. I compared his style to Michael Irvin and a few months later, Irvin did the same on the day Minnesota drafted him.

The rest is a story most of us know: Treadwell had ups and downs acclimating early in Norv Turner’s, he still wasn’t completely healthy, and as he began turning a corner, his starting quarterback got hurt and the team tweaked the system. Adam Thielen overtook Treadwell and became one of the best receivers in the league.

Last year, Treadwell earned more playing time and flashed the skills that made him a first-round pick:

Quickness off the line and a variety of footwork and violent hands.

Sharp breaks against tight coverage that earns him separation in the timing game.

The consistent technique required of a possession receiver.

Intelligent decisions after the catch and the skill to use his length and strength to move the chains.

Potential to become the go-to option with 50/50 targets and fade routes.

So far, Treadwell hasn’t shown the explosion and strength of an elite possession receiver. He’s a long, lanky athlete with strength and quickness but we’ll see if a faster-reacting Treadwell looks more like the player he was at Ole Miss. If not, he may never become a 90-catch, 1,300-yard, 10-touchdown weapon who dominates one-on-one.

However, his athletic ability and technical skill are still strong enough that he can still develop into a team’s second option and deliver 70-catch, 1,000-yard upside in an offense that features him.

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